Outlook: Maheux’s first four years at the Lakers’ helm should pay off this season. “This is a group that’s been here since I first stated coaching, that I got to work with through middle school and AAU,” said Maheux. “They’ve worked with the same system. I think that will help a lot.” The on-court leader will be senior captain Jack Leclerc, who paced the team in scoring (13 points per game) and rebounding last season. Point guard Nate Hodge — the team’s top returning 3-point shooter and assist man — will run things from up top while the junior trio of Justin Gardner, Brady Corrigan and Sandi Caus is also expected to produce. “We should be much improved,” Maheux said.

Opener: Thursday at BFA-St. Albans

Girls basketball

Coach: T.J. Sawyer (second season)

Last season: 0-21, lost to Burlington in Division I playdowns.

Outlook: Last year’s team offensive player of the year and leading scorer, senior guard Rachel Seaman, returns to form a solid backcourt tandem with junior point guard Kari Belval. Guard Jackie Sortor, who led the team with 110 rebounds and 41 blocked shots last season, will also play a significant role. Freshman center Jackie Nagle will anchor the paint, with help from junior forward Mikayla McMahon’s “aggressiveness on the defensive side and great touch around the rim,” according to Sawyer. “We have a group of young women that really care about the team, program, school and community,” Sawyer said. “With a good mix of experience and new talent, it should be a fun year for the Lady Lakers.”

Opener: Today at BFA-Fairfax

Boys hockey

Coach: Greg Murray (13th season)

Last season: 7-11-3, lost to Harwood in Division I playdowns.

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Outlook: Murray returns to the Lakers’ bench after a two-year hiatus and is confident his team has the potential for a rebound season. “We’re going to be very strong on defense,” said Murray, singling out senior James Dean and junior Jared Cayia as his primary stoppers. Murray expects all three of his goalies — junior Josh Place, sophomore Matt McBride and freshman Henry Butler — to see playing time, and for returning forward Nate Frieberg to make an offensive impact on the top line with Andre Drewniek and Tommy Vaux. “We have a good shot at making a run in the playoffs,” Murray said. Opener: Wednesday vs. Burlington

Girls hockey

Coach: Kari Furlani (second season)

Last season: 4-15-1, lost to Burr and Burton in Division I playdowns.

Outlook: Coming off an up-and-down debut season in Division I, the Lakers will put a team featuring nine freshmen and 12 new players on the ice. Furlani has a veteran nucleus — including seniors Gretchen St. Pierre in goal and Kathryn Sleeman up front, as well as juniors Lexie Campbell, Chloe Bean and Abbey Civic — to help bring along the newcomers. That fresh batch of talent, headed by sophomore Kayla Dion and freshmen Jensen Hamdlett and Kellie Lockerby, will get a proverbial trial-by-fire in Division I. “The bar is much higher in terms of the competition,” Furlani said. “You can’t take any games off; mentally and physically, you have to be prepared for every game.”

Opener: Today at U-32

Nordic skiing

Coaches: Morgan Samler (sixth season), Callie Douglas (third season)

Last season: The boys and girls teams each placed sixth at Vermont state championships.

Outlook: Participation in an offseason training program could lead to big improvements for several of the Lakers’ skiers. Brendan Copley, who finished ninth in the classic race at last year’s state championships, and fellow juniors Tyler Hinman and Ryan Bell are showing head coach Samler “technique and fitness (that) have definitely improved” after working out together in Jericho over the summer. Also taking part in the program were top girls returnees Emily Berry and Kaitlyn Boudah, who will be bolstered by a bumper crop of new varsity talent that includes sophomores Ashley Francis, Vanessa Barton and Alex Brownell. “I expect us to be a competitive team,” Samler said. “There is always room for improvement, but I think we’ll be right in the mix.”

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Opener: Dec. 18 vs. South Burlington at Sleepy Hollow

Alpine skiing

Coach: Eli See and Jess Tuttle (both first season) Last season: Did not participate in Vermont state championships.

Outlook: Senior leadership will be a key on the boys side as veteran returnees Ben Morton-Black, Hogan Smith and Zach Wright are expected to be the Lakers’ top performers this season. “They bring a wealth of experience and senior leadership to the mountain,” Tuttle said. On the girls side, returning sophomores Sydney Brown, Emi Eakin and Ally McAuslin will look to build upon their rookie campaigns and lead a group that includes several talented newcomers. “We have a handful of new athletes who are going to help bring the team together,” Tuttle said.

Opener: Friday vs. Essex at Bolton Valley

Wrestling

Coach: Jason Benoure (sixth season)

Last season: Finished fourth at the state championships.

Outlook: The Lakers return their top five finishers from last year’s state tournament: Nick Eddy (second at 103 pounds), Chris Lash (third at 140), Devon Grammo (second at 152), Elias Carter (sixth at 189) and Eric Decker (fourth at 285). The team will also get a comeback boost from senior 160-pounder Luke Porter — who missed most of last season after tearing an ACL — and an influx of young, promising grapplers like freshmen Chris Triplett and Jerry Barich. “We have a lot of talent on this team,” Benoure said. “It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”

Opener: at St. Johnsbury’s Early Bird tournament

Indoor track & field

Coach: Zach Kramer (third season)

Last season: Did not participate in state championships.

Outlook: The Lakers will once again field a small but talented group of athletes with strengths in a few events. “Our girls hurdlers should do pretty well,” said Kramer, singling out juniors Kirsten Neddy and Nancy Nguon, and sophomore Chiara Evans. For the boys, Kramer expects solid performances from sophomore Nick Wyckoff in middle distances and freshman Will Ward in sprints. “We’re not looking for team titles,” Kramer said. “Our goals are to have some good individual successes.”